This study was first taught on November 13, 2012

Topic: The Kingdom of God (3): The Parable of the Dragnet

No audio available for this study.

---

Background
Last week, we continued with our study of the Kingdom of God by looking at the Parable of the Leaven. We sought to know why the Lord Jesus Christ likened the kingdom of God to the effect of leaven that is hidden in a meal of flour. Was He seeking to teach the people about baking of bread, or, what was really on His mind as He spoke to his listeners? What is the central message He was seeking to convey to them? From our study, we saw that Jesus was using a familiar concept to explain what was unfamiliar and unknown to the multitude. He was trying to let them understand the potential influence or impact that the teachings and lifestyle of the kingdom of God can have in the life of anyone who receives and believes the gospel of the kingdom of God! We deduced that the kingdom of God has the power, ability, and propensity to take over any life or territory it is infused into. It has the power to influence and change the state, or direction of a man’s life; just like leaven leavens (takes over) a whole lump of dough! We saw the effect of the preaching and receiving of the kingdom of God in Samaria as there was great joy in the city. We also noted enduring transformations in the lives of various men and women who had received the kingdom of God within them, throughout Scripture; for example: Zaccheaus, the Ethiopian Eunuch, Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene, Joseph of Arimathea, Cornelius, Onesimus, and Saul of Tarsus who later became Paul, a foremost Apostle of Jesus Christ! We also took note of men who though had encountered Jesus, still lost out of life in the kingdom, among whom are: Judas Iscariot, the Rich Young Ruler, and Simon the Sorcerer, etc. We concluded that as we carry on as believers in this Age, we need to constantly assess our walk with God to ensure that the kingdom of God is within us, that we are living the life of the kingdom daily, and, that the life of the kingdom is perfecting holiness in us, thereby producing a positive life transformation in us.

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 13:47-50

Today, we shall study another comparison to the kingdom of God as we examine the Parable of the Dragnet. Here, in this parable, Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a huge fishing net that is cast into the sea, and when it is full and dragged out, gathers a variety of fishes and other things found in the sea. How does this analogy explain the kingdom of heaven? May the Holy Spirit teach us tonight in Jesus Name, Amen.
Mark 1:14-15, 38; Matthew 10:1, 5-8; 28:18-20; Acts 2:38-41; 4:1-4;John 6:1-71; 7:25-31; 8:31-59; 9:23-38; 11:21-27; Acts 4:32-5:11; 8:9-24; Matthew 25:31-46; 22:9-14;1 Peter :1-2; 2 Peter 1:10; Revelation 21:27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Matthew 22:11-13.

Conclusion
From our study tonight, we have seen that not all who have come to Jesus, are attending church, or, are busy in the house of God, will ultimately be given access into the kingdom of heaven. But those who will be granted entrance into the kingdom are chosen. They are called good, just, the sheep of His pasture; they are clothed in fine linen of righteousness, and are full of good deeds approved by God.

---

Back to all Bible Study Outline List